autobiography definition kid version

Autobiography

An autobiography is a biography in which the author writes about his or her own life. It is a self-written account of one's own life.

It is one of the earliest form of literature , but the word itself is quite modern. [1]

The word comes from the Greek stems "auto" (meaning "self"), "bio“ (meaning "life"), and "graph" (meaning "write").

Autobiography Media

Saint Augustine of Hippo wrote Confessions , the first Western autobiography ever written, around 400. Portrait by Philippe de Champaigne , 17th century.

Cover of the first English edition of Benjamin Franklin 's autobiography, 1793

Related pages

Autobiography

Definition of autobiography.

Autobiography is one type of biography , which tells the life story of its author, meaning it is a written record of the author’s life. Rather than being written by somebody else, an autobiography comes through the person’s own pen, in his own words. Some autobiographies are written in the form of a fictional tale; as novels or stories that closely mirror events from the author’s real life. Such stories include Charles Dickens ’ David Copperfield  and J.D Salinger’s The Catcher in The Rye . In writing about personal experience, one discovers himself. Therefore, it is not merely a collection of anecdotes – it is a revelation to the readers about the author’s self-discovery.

Difference between Autobiography and Memoir

In an autobiography, the author attempts to capture important elements of his life. He not only deals with his career, and growth as a person, he also uses emotions and facts related to family life, relationships, education, travels, sexuality, and any types of inner struggles. A memoir is a record of memories and particular events that have taken place in the author’s life. In fact, it is the telling of a story or an event from his life; an account that does not tell the full record of a life.

Six Types of Autobiography

There are six types of autobiographies:

• Autobiography: A personal account that a person writes himself/herself.
• Memoir : An account of one’s memory.
• Reflective Essay : One’s thoughts about something.
• Confession: An account of one’s wrong or right doings.
• Monologue : An address of one’s thoughts to some audience or interlocuters.
• Biography : An account of the life of other persons written by someone else.

Importance of Autobiography

Autobiography is a significant genre in literature. Its significance or importance lies in authenticity, veracity, and personal testimonies. The reason is that people write about challenges they encounter in their life and the ways to tackle them. This shows the veracity and authenticity that is required of a piece of writing to make it eloquent, persuasive, and convincing.

Examples of Autobiography in Literature

Example #1:  the box: tales from the darkroom by gunter grass.

A noble laureate and novelist, Gunter Grass , has shown a new perspective of self-examination by mixing up his quilt of fictionalized approach in his autobiographical book, “The Box: Tales from the Darkroom.” Adopting the individual point of view of each of his children, Grass narrates what his children think about him as their father and a writer. Though it is really an experimental approach, due to Grass’ linguistic creativity and dexterity, it gains an enthralling momentum.

Example #2:  The Story of My Life by Helen Keller

In her autobiography, The Story of My Life , Helen Keller recounts her first twenty years, beginning with the events of the childhood illness that left her deaf and blind. In her childhood, a writer sent her a letter and prophesied, “Someday you will write a great story out of your own head that will be a comfort and help to many.”

In this book, Keller mentions prominent historical personalities, such as Alexander Graham Bell, whom she met at the age of six, and with whom she remained friends for several years. Keller paid a visit to John Greenleaf Whittier , a famous American poet, and shared correspondence with other eminent figures, including Oliver Wendell Holmes, and Mrs. Grover Cleveland. Generally, Keller’s autobiography is about overcoming great obstacles through hard work and pain.

Example #3:  Self Portraits: Fictions by Frederic Tuten

In his autobiography, “Self Portraits: Fictions ,” Frederic Tuten has combined the fringes of romantic life with reality. Like postmodern writers, such as Jorge Luis Borges, and Italo Calvino, the stories of Tuten skip between truth and imagination, time and place, without warning. He has done the same with his autobiography, where readers are eager to move through fanciful stories about train rides, circus bears, and secrets to a happy marriage; all of which give readers glimpses of the real man.

Example #4:  My Prizes by Thomas Bernhard

Reliving the success of his literary career through the lens of the many prizes he has received, Thomas Bernhard presents a sarcastic commentary in his autobiography, “My Prizes.” Bernhard, in fact, has taken a few things too seriously. Rather, he has viewed his life as a farcical theatrical drama unfolding around him. Although Bernhard is happy with the lifestyle and prestige of being an author, his blasé attitude and scathing wit make this recollection more charmingly dissident and hilarious.

Example #5:  The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin

“The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin ” is written by one of the founding fathers of the United States. This book reveals Franklin’s youth, his ideas, and his days of adversity and prosperity. He is one of the best examples of living the American dream – sharing the idea that one can gain financial independence, and reach a prosperous life through hard work.

Through autobiography, authors can speak directly to their readers, and to their descendants. The function of the autobiography is to leave a legacy for its readers. By writing an autobiography, the individual shares his triumphs and defeats, and lessons learned, allowing readers to relate and feel motivated by inspirational stories. Life stories bridge the gap between peoples of differing ages and backgrounds, forging connections between old and new generations.

Synonyms of Autobiography

The following words are close synonyms of autobiography such as life story, personal account, personal history, diary, journal, biography, or memoir.

Related posts:

• The Autobiography of Malcolm X

Post navigation

• Literary Terms
• Autobiography
• Definition & Examples
• When & How to Write Autobiography

I. What is Autobiography?

An autobiography is a self-written life story.

It is different from a  biography , which is the life story of a person written by someone else. Some people may have their life story written by another person because they don’t believe they can write well, but they are still considered an author because they are providing the information. Reading autobiographies may be more interesting than biographies because you are reading the thoughts of the person instead of someone else’s interpretation.

II. Examples of Autobiography

One of the United States’ forefathers wrote prolifically (that means a lot!) about news, life, and common sense. His readings, quotes, and advice are still used today, and his face is on the $100 bill. Benjamin Franklin’s good advice is still used through his sayings, such as “We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid.” He’s also the one who penned the saying that’s seen all over many schools: “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” His autobiography is full of his adventures , philosophy about life, and his wisdom. His autobiography shows us how much he valued education through his anecdotes (stories) of his constant attempts to learn and improve himself. He also covers his many ideas on his inventions and his thoughts as he worked with others in helping the United States become free from England.

III. Types of Autobiography

There are many types of autobiographies. Authors must decide what purpose they have for writing about their lives, and then they can choose the format that would best tell their story. Most of these types all share common goals: helping themselves face an issue by writing it down, helping others overcome similar events, or simply telling their story.

a. Full autobiography (traditional):

This would be the complete life story, starting from birth through childhood, young adulthood, and up to the present time at which the book is being written. Authors might choose this if their whole lives were very different from others and could be considered interesting.

There are many types of memoirs – place, time, philosophic (their theory on life), occupational, etc. A memoir is a snapshot of a person’s life. It focuses on one specific part that stands out as a learning experience or worth sharing.

c. Psychological illness

People who have suffered mental illness of any kind find it therapeutic to write down their thoughts. Therapists are specialists who listen to people’s problems and help them feel better, but many people find writing down their story is also helpful.

d. Confession

Just as people share a psychological illness, people who have done something very wrong may find it helps to write down and share their story. Sharing the story may make one feel he or she is making amends (making things right), or perhaps hopes that others will learn and avoid the same mistake.

e. Spiritual

Spiritual and religious experiences are very personal . However, many people feel that it’s their duty and honor to share these stories. They may hope to pull others into their beliefs or simply improve others’ lives.

f. Overcoming adversity

Unfortunately, many people do not have happy, shining lives. Terrible events such as robberies, assaults, kidnappings, murders, horrific accidents, and life-threatening illnesses are common in some lives. Sharing the story can inspire others while also helping the person express deep emotions to heal.

IV. The Importance of Autobiography

Autobiographies are an important part of history. Being able to read the person’s own ideas and life stories is getting the first-person story versus the third-person (he-said/she-said) version. In journalism, reporters go to the source to get an accurate account of an event. The same is true when it comes to life stories. Reading the story from a second or third source will not be as reliable. The writer may be incorrectly explaining and describing the person’s life events.

Autobiographies are also important because they allow other people in similar circumstances realize that they are not alone. They can be inspiring for those who are facing problems in their lives. For the author, writing the autobiography allows them to heal as they express their feelings and opinions. Autobiographies are also an important part of history.

V. Examples of Autobiography in Literature

A popular autobiography that has lasted almost 100 years is that of Helen Keller. Her life story has been made into numerous movies and plays. Her teacher, Anne Sullivan, has also had her life story written and televised multiple times. Students today still read and learn about this young girl who went blind and deaf at 19 months of age, causing her to also lose her ability to learn to speak. Sullivan’s entrance into Helen’s life when the girl was seven was the turning point. She learned braille and soon became an activist for helping blind and deaf people across the nation. She died in 1968, but her autobiography is still helping others.

Even in the days before my teacher came, I used to feel along the square stiff boxwood hedges, and, guided by the sense of smell, would find the first violets and lilies. There, too, after a fit of temper, I went to find comfort and to hide my hot face in the cool leaves and grass. What joy it was to lose myself in that garden of flowers, to wander happily from spot to spot, until, coming suddenly upon a beautiful vine, I recognized it by its leaves and blossoms, and knew it was the vine which covered the tumble-down summer-house at the farther end of the garden! (Keller).

An autobiography that many middle and high school students read every year is “Night” by Elie Wiesel. His story is also a memoir, covering his teen years as he and his family went from the comfort of their own home to being forced into a Jewish ghetto with other families, before ending up in a Nazi prison camp. His book is not that long, but the details and description he uses brings to life the horrors of Hitler’s reign of terror in Germany during World War II. Students also read “The Diary of Anne Frank,” another type of autobiography that shows a young Jewish girl’s daily life while hiding from the Nazis to her eventual capture and death in a German camp. Both books are meant to remind us to not be indifferent to the world’s suffering and to not allow hate to take over.

“The people were saying, “The Red Army is advancing with giant strides…Hitler will not be able to harm us, even if he wants to…” Yes, we even doubted his resolve to exterminate us. Annihilate an entire people? Wipe out a population dispersed throughout so many nations? So many millions of people! By what means? In the middle of the twentieth century! And thus my elders concerned themselves with all manner of things—strategy, diplomacy, politics, and Zionism—but not with their own fate. Even Moishe the Beadle had fallen silent. He was weary of talking. He would drift through synagogue or through the streets, hunched over, eyes cast down, avoiding people’s gaze. In those days it was still possible to buy emigration certificates to Palestine. I had asked my father to sell everything, to liquidate everything, and to leave” (Wiesel 8).  

VI. Examples of Autobiography in Pop Culture

One example of an autobiography that was a hit in the movie theaters is “American Sniper,” the story of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle. According to an article in the Dallas, Texas, magazine D, Kyle donated all the proceeds from the film to veterans and their families. He had a story to tell, and he used it to help others. His story is a memoir, focusing on a specific time period of his life when he was overseas in the military.

An autobiography by a young Olympian is “Grace, Gold and Glory: My Leap of Faith” by Gabrielle (Gabby) Douglas. She had a writer, Michelle Burford, help her in writing her autobiography. This is common for those who have a story to tell but may not have the words to express it well. Gabby was the darling of the 2012 Olympics, winning gold medals for the U.S. in gymnastics along with being the All-Around Gold Medal winner, the first African-American to do so. Many young athletes see her as an inspiration. Her story also became a television movie, “The Gabby Douglas Story.”

VII. Related Terms

The life story of one person written by another. The purpose may to be highlight an event or person in a way to help the public learn a lesson, feel inspired, or to realize that they are not alone in their circumstance. Biographies are also a way to share history. Historic and famous people may have their biographies written by many authors who research their lives years after they have died.

VIII. Conclusion

Autobiographies are a way for people to share stories that may educate, inform, persuade, or inspire others. Many people find writing their stories to be therapeutic, healing them beyond what any counseling might do or as a part of the counseling. Autobiographies are also a way to keep history alive by allowing people in the present learn about those who lived in the past. In the future, people can learn a lot about our present culture by reading autobiographies by people of today.

List of Terms

• Alliteration
• Amplification
• Anachronism
• Anthropomorphism
• Antonomasia
• APA Citation
• Aposiopesis
• Bildungsroman
• Characterization
• Circumlocution
• Cliffhanger
• Comic Relief
• Connotation
• Deus ex machina
• Deuteragonist
• Doppelganger
• Double Entendre
• Dramatic irony
• Equivocation
• Extended Metaphor
• Figures of Speech
• Flash-forward
• Foreshadowing
• Intertextuality
• Juxtaposition
• Literary Device
• Malapropism
• Onomatopoeia
• Parallelism
• Pathetic Fallacy
• Personification
• Point of View
• Polysyndeton
• Protagonist
• Red Herring
• Rhetorical Device
• Rhetorical Question
• Science Fiction
• Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
• Synesthesia
• Turning Point
• Understatement
• Urban Legend
• Verisimilitude
• Essay Guide
• Cite This Website

• Product Reviews

8 Autobiographies By Children Your Child Must Read

What better way to build empathy in children and expand their perspective than with real-life stories written by children. These eight autobiographies are must-read for children 10 years and above.

"There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island." - Walt Disney, an American entrepreneur, animator, voice actor and film producer.

Children often display a maturity far beyond their age. Autobiographies or memoirs are beautiful insights for adults, especially parents, to go into their world. These books give a peek into their understanding of the world and its going on. These autobiographies should be read by children to understand the world better, and adults to understand a child's mind better.

Benefits of reading autobiographies

Looking for some books to keep your child occupied when they are at home? The onus of introducing the right books to your child always lies on you. Biographies by young adults are always a source of motivation for young readers. If you want your child to be worldly-wise, make biographies and autobiographies a part of the reading list for your child.

However, there are the other benefits of reading autobiographies too. These are:

Teaches life lessons - Autobiographies are often interesting as these are usually written by people who have found themselves in extraordinary situations or had an interesting life story to tell. There are many life lessons to be learnt on how they dealt with their hardships and overcame their difficulties that shaped their lives. And as autobiographies are true stories, that makes it all the more inspiring.

It acts like a mentor/guide - Sometimes teenagers are reluctant to open up to their parents or listen to their parents. In such situations, introducing books which could deal with a situation the teen is facing could be helpful, it could act like a wonderful mentor or guide.

Your child can view the world from a different perspective - We all tend to get caught up in the day to day nitty-gritty. More so, kids. So introducing autobiographies and biographies is a great way to open up their minds to gain a new perspective.

There have been extraordinary autobiographies written by children who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances - war, denial of equal rights for girls, self discovery and perseverance in abject poverty. For your convenience, we present 8 such autobiographies which showcase the world the author lives in. It is a must-share reading list for your kids.

Here are the examples of a few inspiring autobiographies.

1. I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

"When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful." - Malala Yousafzai

About the author: When many preteens may just be bothered about their looks and homework, Malala Yousafzai, in 2009, 11 years at that time wrote an anonymous blog for BBC Urdu about her life under Taliban rule. She was very vocal about human rights, especially education for the girl child which was sometimes denied during the Taliban rule in Pakistan. She survived an assassination attempt when she was shot in her head. She recovered and her voice only grew stronger. She is the youngest person to have received the Nobel Laureate.

About the book: The book is about the importance of education especially the education of the girl child to transform societies. With guns you can kill terrorists, with education you can kill terrorism, she says. Powerful words indeed.

What children can learn from it: I am Malala is an inspiring account about how even one voice is enough to stand up for a cause and change the world.

Parent speak: "Both my daughter and I love this book. Ashita, my daughter is quite forthright and outspoken - the book is an inspiration to look beyond your own world, said Shilpa Prashanth, mother of 11-year-old, Ashita.

2. Hope in a Ballet Shoe by Michaela DePrince

"There are practically no black dancers in ballet, so I need to speak out." - Michaela DePrince

About the author: Often extraordinary circumstances give rise to extraordinary stories and Hope in a Ballet Shoe is one such extraordinary autobiography. Penned by Michaela DePrince, who today is an international ballet dancer with The Dutch National Ballet, and one of the few black ballet dancers. Michaela grows through many atrocities as a child growing up in war-torn Sierra Leone. Dance becomes her salvation - the road to become a professional dancer is not that easy - competitive and racist. A must read for all ages.

About the book: An inspiring first person account of how a victim of war crimes transformed her life through the power of dance.

What children can learn from it: You can negate your childhood trauma and focus on new beginnings.

Parent Speak: " We tend to forget that we lead privileged lives, but perhaps adversity is needed to bring out the best in us, the book gave me goosebumps," said Dhakshinyaa Subramanyam, 12 year old avid reader.

3. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

"I keep my ideals, because in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart." - Anne Frank.

About the author: This autobiography needs no introduction. Written by then 13-year-old Jewish Anne Frank in Dutch language while she hid with her family from Nazi occupation in Netherlands. The book is written with surprising candour - about life in isolation, her random thoughts about growing up, war, discrimination, school girl musings about crushes and sexuality.

About the book: Her words on war, humanity and hope for mankind make her diary exemplary. It is hard to believe it is a 13-year-old penning her thoughts.

What children can learn from it: Even in times of adversity, do not lose hope and always look at the bright side.

Parent Speak: "My daughter Muskaan loves 'the diary of a young girl' by Anne Frank. She finds it very interesting as it is one of the major sources of information about the holocaust (the incidents that occurred in Nazi Germany). It is fascinating to her to see these events (the crimes committed against the Jews) through the perspective of a thirteen year old Jewish girl, " said Jyotsna Awasthi.

4. A Long Way Home - Memoirs of a Boy Soldier By Ishmael Beah

"Some nights the sky wept stars that quickly floated and disappeared into the darkness before our wishes could meet them. " - Ishmael Beah

About the author: Another book from the Sierra Leone, from Ishmael Beah is a first person account of what it means to be a boy soldier in a war-torn African country. The writing is clear, the descriptions are gut wrenching and the memoirs gives a perspective that many children across the world are still being robbed of their childhood. Ishmael Beah, since writing the book has won many accolades - he is a UNICEF Ambassador and Advocate for Children Affected by War and a member of the Human Rights Watch Children's Rights Advisory Committee. His memoir has been published in over thirty languages. He currently resides in Brooklyn, New York.

About the book: The haunting odyssey is a triumph of human spirit to and the capacity to overcome against all odds.

What children can learn from it: Gain a perspective on civil war, refugee crises, world politics and how it effects innocent lives.

Parent Speak: " My son, 16-year-old, was moved by the book," Arshia Zafar.

5. Soul Surfer By Bethany Hamilton

"I don't need easy, I just need possible." - Bethany Hamilton

About the author: This autobiography is the true story of Bethany Hamilton. The writer was a competitive surfer, and at 14, at the stage when life is beginning for many, thought her life was over, after she got attacked by a shark and lost her arm. She tracks her life, before and after the accident - and her story is awe-inspiring.

About the book: This a is true story about getting your life back on track and achieving your dreams.

What children will learn from it: It is a must read for anyone having doubts about their capabilities or anyone who is going through setbacks. Pick up the book today!

Parent Speak: "As an athlete myself in my school and college days, I was keen to pick up this book for my daughter. We need such stories to be shared," said D. Vishwanath, daughter of teenager Dharti Vishwanath.

6. El Deafo by Cece Bell

"I found that with a little creativity, and a lot of dedication, any difference can be turned into something amazing." - Cece Bell

About the author: A disability can become a superpower! El Deafo is a beautiful graphic novel that deals with being different due to a physical ailment (hearing loss) - it is a loosely based on the author's life. In an interesting quirk - all the characters in the graphic novel are bunnies. Why bunnies? Because they have large ears and extraordinary hearing abilities.

About the book: A graphic novel that deals with the sensitive topic of having a disability and trying to fit in.

What children can learn from it: The book is a great way to tell children that it's okay to be different, and it is what makes us different that also makes us special.

Parent Speak: " As a parent I am always looking for book that teach empathy. Glad I got this for the kids," said Divya Kuldeep.

7. Red Scarf Girl by Ji - Li Jiang

"This is the most frightening lesson of the Cultural Revolution: Without a sound legal system, a small group or even a single person can take control of an entire country. This is as true now as it was then. " ? Ji-li Jiang, Red Scarf Girl

About the author: How do you make sense of the changing political environment? How does one go for being a popular child in school to being betrayed by friends for having an affluent family background in a changing political environment in China. She was inspired by the Diary of Anne Frank and the book is her offering for the world to understand China better.

About the book: Ji-Li-Jiang in this historic memoir talks of the cultural revolution in China in 1966 and how it changed her world.

What children can learn from it: The memoir is a very painful and very personal account of a young girl and is recommended to gain an understanding of Chinese history.

Parent Speak: " I have always been interested in political memoirs. I enjoyed it and so did my daughter Diya," said Mridul Nath

8. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodsoon

"But on paper, things can live forever. On paper, a butterfly never dies."- Jacqueline Woodson

About the author: Jacqueline Woodsoon grew up with her grandparents as her mother was working. The writer has many other books to her credit and is best known for Brown Girl Dreaming and Miracle's Boys .

About the book: An autobiographical book written in verse about a black girl's experiences of growing up in America in the 1960s. It is a short read, but lyrical and the poetry is beautiful. The verses are in anecdotal style and imagery is stunning.

What children can learn from it: Poignant and endearing, the book is recommended for readers looking beyond the usual authors and to understand black voices and their writings.

Parent Speak: " The poetry is beautiful. My daughter started penning her own poems after reading this book. This one is for the dreamers and the doers," said Naveen Sekhar daughter of 19-year-old Tanisha.

Order online or head out to libraries and book stores and help your child discover these gems. Give them a window to a new world and a new perspective. You can thank us later!

Also read: Top 10 Story Books For Your Toddler This Summer

About the author:

Written by Vidya Nesarikar on 12 March 2020.

Join our Circles to share, discuss and learn from fellow parents and experts!

Looking for expert tips and interesting articles on parenting? Subscribe now to our magazine. Connect with us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Comment Flag

Abusive content

Inappropriate content

Cancel Update

Related Topics See All

More for you.

Explore more articles and videos on parenting

Pre-schooler to Teen • 5 Mins Read • 486 Views

Incredible India: 8 Books Your Kids Will Love

Want to arouse patriotic fervor in your child this Republic Day? What better way to do that than through some colorful books that showcase the beauty and diversity of the country?

Pre-schooler to Teen • 12 Mins Read • 4.4K Views

20 Best Children's Books of 2020. Our Top Picks For Each Age Group

2020 was an exciting year for children's books. From picture books to graphic novels to young adult fiction, here are our top picks for each age category

Infant to Teen • 3 Mins Read • 54.4K Views

Couture for Lil' Brats: For trendy boys clothes

Want to dress up your little one in the latest designer wear? Lil Brats has got you covered with the finest boyswear collections for all occasions, both online and in-store. Learn more about it

• Communities

Join a community to interact with like-minded parents and share your thoughts on parenting

2.5K members • 51 Discussions

Curiosity, tantrums and what not!

1.9K members • 36 Discussions

The Active and Enthusiastic Middle Years

11-18 Years

1.8K members • 61 Discussions

From Self-consciousness to Self-confidence

Just for Parents

4K members • 151 Discussions

A 'ME' space to just BE!

Discussions Topics

Share your thoughts, parenting tips, activity ideas and more

Hobbies and Entertainment

New member introduction.

Family Fun Challenges and Activities

• Gadget Free Hour
• Discussions

Share your thoughts, tips, activity ideas and more on parenting

Self Introduction

Summer camp xr ai @alwarpet, chennai, recently got divorced, and i have conflicting feelings, parents of india: meet gaurav paliwal - a serving officer of the indian air force and a single father, parent sessions.

A compilation of the most-read, liked and commented stories on parenting

Breastfeeding accessories: Eleven must-have items for nursing mothers

5 Mins Read • 26.6K Views

12 Best Animated Movies For Kids To Watch

2 Mins Read • 564 Views

10 Books That Promote A Positive Body Image In Children

10 Mins Read • 6.9K Views

Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan: Exclusive Movie Review By A Teen

7 Mins Read • 1.2K Views

A Boman Classic for Real!

11 Mins Read • 11.1K Views

5 Must-Have Home Appliances For Every Household

7 Mins Read • 3.7K Views

Top Searches

• Notifications
• Saved Stories
• Parents of India
• Ask The Expert
• Community New
• Community Guideline
• Community Help
• The Dot Learning Circle
• Press Releases
• Terms of use
• Sign In Sign UP

We use cookies to allow us to better understand how the site is used. By continuing to use this site, you consent to this policy. Click to learn more

• Español NEW

Biography facts for kids

A biography is the story of a person's life . The word comes from the Greek words bios (which means life ) and graphein (which means write ). When the biography is written by the person it is about, it is called an autobiography .

A written biography is a part of literature . Biographies can also be made as movies (often called biopics ) or told as stories.

The oldest written biographies that historians have were written to record rulers' lives. Some were written in Assyria , ancient Babylonia , ancient Egypt and ancient Mesopotamia . Biographies were an early form of history . Another early form of biography was called hagiography, meaning writing about holy people.

In ancient China , a biography was one of the basic forms of a history book. In India , biographies of Buddha and his reincarnated lives were written. In ancient Greece , people wrote biographies of people that were not rulers too. Xenophon wrote a biography of Socrates and gave this book the name Memorabilia (Memories). During the Roman Empire , Plutarch wrote Parallel Lives about ancient Greek and Roman politicians, and Suetonius wrote biographies of the Roman emperors . The Gospels were also biographies of Jesus Christ .

In West Africa , griots tell histories which often include biographies.

Many written biographies today are released by publishers as products for sale.

Related pages

• Autobiography

Images for kids

Third Volume of a 1727 edition of Plutarch 's Lives of the Noble Greeks and Romans printed by Jacob Tonson

Einhard as scribe

John Foxe 's The Book of Martyrs , was one of the earliest English-language biographies.

James Boswell wrote what many consider to be the first modern biography, The Life of Samuel Johnson , in 1791.

Eminent Victorians set the standard for 20th century biographical writing, when it was published in 1918.

• This page was last modified on 16 October 2023, at 16:53. Suggest an edit .

• Subject List
• Take a Tour
• For Authors
• Subscriber Services
• Publications
• African American Studies
• African Studies
• American Literature
• Anthropology
• Architecture Planning and Preservation
• Art History
• Atlantic History
• Biblical Studies
• British and Irish Literature

Childhood Studies

• Chinese Studies
• Cinema and Media Studies
• Communication
• Criminology
• Environmental Science
• Evolutionary Biology
• International Law
• International Relations
• Islamic Studies
• Jewish Studies
• Latin American Studies
• Latino Studies
• Linguistics
• Literary and Critical Theory
• Medieval Studies
• Military History
• Political Science
• Public Health
• Renaissance and Reformation
• Social Work
• Urban Studies
• Victorian Literature
• Browse All Subjects

How to Subscribe

• Free Trials

In This Article Expand or collapse the "in this article" section Autobiography and Childhood

Introduction, general overviews and critical studies.

• Biographies for Children: Twenty-First-Century Examples
• Biographies for Children: Criticism
• Life Writing by Children

Related Articles Expand or collapse the "related articles" section about

About related articles close popup.

Lorem Ipsum Sit Dolor Amet

Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Aliquam ligula odio, euismod ut aliquam et, vestibulum nec risus. Nulla viverra, arcu et iaculis consequat, justo diam ornare tellus, semper ultrices tellus nunc eu tellus.

• Children's Literature
• Children's Views of Childhood
• Images of Childhood, Adulthood, and Old Age in Children’s Literature
• Literary Representations of Childhood
• Visual Representations of Childhood

Other Subject Areas

Forthcoming articles expand or collapse the "forthcoming articles" section.

• Agency and Childhood
• Childhood and the Colonial Countryside
• Indigenous Childhoods in India
• Find more forthcoming articles...
• Export Citations
• Share This Facebook LinkedIn Twitter

Autobiography and Childhood by Kate Douglas LAST REVIEWED: 26 July 2022 LAST MODIFIED: 26 July 2022 DOI: 10.1093/obo/9780199791231-0263

“Autobiography” derives from the Greek terms autos (self), bios (life), and graphein (writing), and is most commonly understood as a cultural text in which a person represents their own life. The practice has long been associated with the written word: well-known, published books in which significant people record their remarkable lives. Traditionally, autobiography has been characterized by so-called “great men,” usually white and European, recounting their lives as they approach their later years. However, cultural change in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries—particularly second-wave feminism, decolonization, globalization, the rise of technology, and mass and digital media—have changed “self-life-writing” radically. The development of alternative types of first-person and life storying, including memoir, documentary, reality television, blogs, vlogs, and diverse and ever-emerging forms of social media (e.g., YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok), has consistently brought new voices and subjects into the public sphere. Life narration, in its various forms, has become a diverse, global genre. It is now steeped in the various written and oral traditions in which people have told stories about their lives for thousands of years and across myriad locations. The terms “autobiography,” “life writing,” and “life narrative” have become umbrella descriptors for the plethora of ways in which people of all ages, cultures, and locations represent themselves, their lives, or the lives of others on a daily basis. Childhood is, unsurprisingly, a common theme within autobiography. Childhood is where life begins, and autobiographies of childhood have brought a greater understanding of the diverse ways in which people experience childhood.

Children have been telling their life stories, and adults recounting their childhoods across cultures, for as long as people have lived, including examples such as African folktales and Indigenous Australian oral histories, as Coe 1984 and Douglas 2010 contend. Yet most of what we know about autobiography and childhood as a form comes from European contexts, where writing about childhood inevitably aligns with shifts in the cultural position of children. Augustine’s Confessions (397–400 CE ) is one early and notable example of autobiographical writing about childhood. However, childhood was of little interest in European life writing until the eighteenth century. Prior to the eighteenth century, though childhood was not afforded the same interest as it is today, there was a growing curiosity about children’s lives. Childhood was becoming understood as a separate developmental stage to adulthood that was worthy of consideration, and this was reflected within writing and art. As Douglas 2010 notes, by the nineteenth century, childhood was a cultural preoccupation, but most commonly framed within the stereotypical binary of innocence (childhood) to experience (adulthood). Children and childhood were most commonly seen as a window into the adult the child would become. Prominent authors here included the Romantic poets (e.g., William Wordsworth) and those novelists engaged in the Bildungsroman mode such as Charles Dickens, Charlotte Brontë, and Thomas Hardy, who used autobiographical fictions to explore the challenging emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual growth of the protagonist from childhood to adulthood. Such novels also introduced themes related to the rights of the child, such as childhood mortality, class, and gender inequality. As McCooey 1995 argues, in the twentieth century, representations of childhood featured commonly across autobiographical writings. Childhood was still often represented as foundational to the adult the protagonist became, but was increasingly of interest in itself as a means of understanding more about children’s histories. Notable texts include the memoirs of Virginia Woolf, the diary of Anne Frank, and the academic and activist writings of Christa Wolf, Annette Kuhn, and Richard Rodriguez—all of whom were preoccupied with the relationship between the child and the social world. As Douglas and Poletti 2016 argue, 20th-century autobiographers sought to understand childhood developmentally and socially—to understand their experiences of the world—but also to explore how experiences of childhood impact upon adult life. The autobiography of childhood mode experienced a significant boom in the 1990s with the rise of so-called “misery memoirs” recounting difficult or traumatic childhoods. Notable in this trend were Frank McCourt’s Angela’s Ashes (1996) Mary Karr’s The Liars’ Club (1995), and James McBride’s The Color of Water (1995). These autobiographies of childhood most commonly took the form of a middle-aged adult writing about their childhood long before. As Cardell and Douglas 2014 and Douglas 2010 argue, the circulation of these memoirs opened up larger conversations about diverse experiences of childhood in history. They offered counter-histories to idealized versions of mid-19th-century childhoods—for example, through their representations of childhood poverty, neglect, and abuse. This trend has continued well into the 2000s and shows no sign of waning. The 2000s have seen notable trends in autobiographical writings about childhood and youth, including the representation of drug and alcohol abuse (see, for example, Smashed: Story of a Drunken Girlhood [2005] by Koren Zailckas), of eating disorders ( Empty [2020] by Susan Burton), of mental health struggles ( Maybe I Don’t Belong Here [2021] by David Harewood), of family separation and trauma ( Somebody’s Daughter [2021] by Ashley. C. Ford), and of sex and sexuality ( Caught in the Act [2021] by Courtney Act). Such texts, through the stories they enable and what they overtly or covertly limit, reveal the cultural preoccupations and investments that surround and affect childhood and youth in the twenty-first century. Much autobiography scholarship engages in discussions of childhood simply because most autobiographies and biographies offer representations of the subject’s childhood. As previously mentioned, childhood is traditionally thought to be significant in signaling the adult the child will become. But childhood and children have become of increasing interest beyond this. This is due to the shifting social position of children and wider recognition of children as social actors whose lives and contributions to the world are as valuable as those of adults. Scholars who have researched autobiographical representations of childhood are interested in children’s lives as they are represented retrospectively by adults (whether the self, or by another) and contemporaneously by children themselves ( Lynch 2013 , Douglas and Poletti 2016 , Douglas 2017 , Douglas 2019 ). These scholars consider the diverse styles for representing childhood, from autobiography to biography, memoir, the graphic memoir, the archive, independent media, and digital media. As Douglas 2017 discusses, research on auto/biographies of childhood evaluate the myriad themes that emerge from these texts, including children’s rights and activism, child abuse and neglect, childhood memory, coming-of-age, education, and children’s creativity. Some significant critical issues to emerge from this scholarship include the significant contribution that children and youth have made and continue to make to auto/biographical genres, the importance of children’s participation in life narration in terms of their cultural agency, the prevalence of trauma narratives in children’s autobiography, and the ethics of reception and methods for reading children’s narratives.

Cardell, Kylie, and Kate Douglas, eds. Telling Tales: Autobiographies of Childhood and Youth . London: Routledge, 2014.

This edited collection acknowledges the many texts and forms in which people tell stories about their childhood and youth. It offers a series of case studies from leading scholars in the field, including Leena Kurvet-Käosaar, Claire Lynch, and Anna Poletti. Some of the key themes explored include sexuality, coming-of-age, trauma, prejudice, and conflict. The chapters also consider the diverse forms in which childhood is represented via autobiography, including graphic memoir, archives, anthologies, and digital modes.

Coe, Richard N. When the Grass Was Taller: Autobiography and the Experience of Childhood . New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1984.

This is the pioneering text in this subject area. Coe surveys over six hundred autobiographies of childhood to map the form. In considering literary autobiographies from Europe and Asia, Coe posits that certain themes recur, such as coming-of-age through reading, fear, and boredom. He also finds a (perhaps unsurprising) focus on parents, teachers, and other influential figures. Coe’s study prompts reflection on the representation of childhood in nonfiction and a mandate for thinking more broadly about literary childhoods.

Douglas, Kate. Contesting Childhood: Autobiography, Trauma and Memory . New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers, 2010.

Contesting Childhood considers the wave of popular autobiographies to emerge in the memoir boom of the 1990s and early 2000s. The author reviews primarily texts from Australia, Britain, and the United States to point to the prevalence of autobiographies recalling traumatic childhoods during this period. Contesting Childhood also considers autobiographies in the nostalgic mode as another dominant trend in the 1990s and 2000s, but does not set up trauma and nostalgia as binaries.

Douglas, Kate. “Malala Yousafzai, Life Narrative and the Collaborative Archive.” Life Writing 14.3 (2017): 297–311.

DOI: 10.1080/14484528.2017.1328299

Once a single autobiography was the expected practice of those telling a life story. Now it is not uncommon for notable people to tell their live stories across multiple nonfictional texts and practices. This is particularly true when the author is a younger person such as Malala Yousafzai. Malala’s life narrative “archive” includes a blog, a film, a documentary, a memoir, a memoir for young adult readers, and a children’s picture book.

Douglas, Kate. “Autobiographical Writing for Children.” In New and Experimental Ways of Writing Lives . Edited by Jo Parnell, 22–31. Basingstoke, UK: Palgrave, 2019.

This chapter explores the autobiographical writings of Australian author, comedian, and artist Anh Do, and of activist and author Malala Yousafzai. Both have written memoirs of their childhoods intended for adult readers. Both then wrote versions for child readers, following a significant recent trend toward auto/biographical writings for children. This chapter asks, what happens when trauma stories are adapted for child readers, and it considers the literary and visual strategies employed to build an age-appropriate version.

Douglas, Kate, and Anna Poletti. Life Narratives and Youth Culture: Representation, Agency and Participation . London: Palgrave, 2016.

DOI: 10.1057/978-1-137-55117-7

Children and youth have been telling stories about their lives forever, though their creations have not always been recognized. This book examines the contributions that children and youth have made to auto/biographical forms including memoir, letter writing, diaries, and in social media.

Lynch, Claire. “The Ante-Autobiography and the Archive of Childhood.” Prose Studies 35.1 (2013): 97–112.

DOI: 10.1080/01440357.2013.781414

This essay outlines a notable means by which children tell stories about their own lives in everyday modes: drawings and writings completed during childhood. Lynch uses the term “ante-autobiography” to explain the ways in which children commonly produce autobiographical texts. They are not intended to be autobiography but can be retrospectively read as such. Lynch explores the implications of this through a reading of her own childhood texts. These texts provide knowledge of how children practice autobiography.

McCooey, David. “Australian Autobiographies of Childhood: Beginning and Myth.” Southerly: A Review of Australian Literature 55.1 (1995): 132–155.

For McCooey and other literary scholars, autobiographies of childhood appeal because they draw on literary techniques to represent remembered experience. These texts reveal a protagonist looking inward to reveal truths about their life.

back to top

Users without a subscription are not able to see the full content on this page. Please subscribe or login .

Oxford Bibliographies Online is available by subscription and perpetual access to institutions. For more information or to contact an Oxford Sales Representative click here .

• About Childhood Studies »
• Meet the Editorial Board »
• Abduction of Children
• Aboriginal Childhoods
• Addams, Jane
• ADHD, Sociological Perspectives on
• Adolescence and Youth
• Adolescent Consent to Medical Treatment
• Adoption and Fostering
• Adoption and Fostering, History of Cross-Country
• Adoption and Fostering in Canada, History of
• Advertising and Marketing, Psychological Approaches to
• Advertising and Marketing, Sociocultural Approaches to
• Africa, Children and Young People in
• African American Children and Childhood
• After-school Hours and Activities
• Aggression across the Lifespan
• Ancient Near and Middle East, Child Sacrifice in the
• Animals, Children and
• Animations, Comic Books, and Manga
• Anthropology of Childhood
• Archaeology of Childhood
• Ariès, Philippe
• Attachment in Children and Adolescents
• Australia, History of Adoption and Fostering in
• Australian Indigenous Contexts and Childhood Experiences
• Autism, Females and
• Autism, Medical Model Perspectives on
• Autobiography and Childhood
• Benjamin, Walter
• Bereavement
• Best Interest of the Child
• Bioarchaeology of Childhood
• Body, Children and the
• Bourdieu, Pierre
• Boy Scouts/Girl Guides
• Boys and Fatherhood
• Breastfeeding
• Bronfenbrenner, Urie
• Bruner, Jerome
• Buddhist Views of Childhood
• Byzantine Childhoods
• Child and Adolescent Anger
• Child Beauty Pageants
• Child Homelessness
• Child Mortality, Historical Perspectives on Infant and
• Child Protection
• Child Protection, Children, Neoliberalism, and
• Child Public Health
• Child Trafficking and Slavery
• Childcare Manuals
• Childhood and Borders
• Childhood and Empire
• Childhood as Discourse
• Childhood, Confucian Views of Children and
• Childhood, Memory and
• Childhood Studies and Leisure Studies
• Childhood Studies in France
• Childhood Studies, Interdisciplinarity in
• Childhood Studies, Posthumanism and
• Childhoods in the United States, Sports and
• Children and Dance
• Children and Film-Making
• Children and Money
• Children and Social Media
• Children and Sport
• Children and Sustainable Cities
• Children as Language Brokers
• Children as Perpetrators of Crime
• Children, Code-switching and
• Children in the Industrial Revolution
• Children with Autism in a Brazilian Context
• Children, Young People, and Architecture
• Children's Humor
• Children’s Museums
• Children’s Parliaments
• Children’s Reading Development and Instruction
• China, Japan, and Korea
• China's One Child Policy
• Citizenship
• Civil Rights Movement and Desegregation
• Classical World, Children in the
• Clothes and Costume, Children’s
• Colonial America, Child Witches in
• Colonialism and Human Rights
• Colonization and Nationalism
• Color Symbolism and Child Development
• Common World Childhoods
• Competitiveness, Children and
• Conceptual Development in Early Childhood
• Congenital Disabilities
• Constructivist Approaches to Childhood
• Consumer Culture, Children and
• Consumption, Child and Teen
• Conversation Analysis and Research with Children
• Critical Approaches to Children’s Work and the Concept of ...
• Cultural psychology and human development
• Debt and Financialization of Childhood
• Discipline and Punishment
• Discrimination
• Disney, Walt
• Divorce And Custody
• Domestic Violence
• Drawings, Children’s
• Early Childhood
• Early Childhood Care and Education, Selected History of
• Eating disorders and obesity
• Education: Learning and Schooling Worldwide
• Environment, Children and the
• Environmental Education and Children
• Ethics in Research with Children
• Europe (including Greece and Rome), Child Sacrifice in
• Evolutionary Studies of Childhood
• Family Meals
• Fandom (Fan Studies)
• Female Genital Cutting
• Feminist New Materialist Approaches to Childhood Studies
• Feral and "Wild" Children
• Fetuses and Embryos
• Films about Children
• Films for Children
• Folk Tales, Fairy Tales and
• Foundlings and Abandoned Children
• Freud, Anna
• Freud, Sigmund
• Friends and Peers: Psychological Perspectives
• Froebel, Friedrich
• Gay and Lesbian Parents
• Gender and Childhood
• Generations, The Concept of
• Geographies, Children's
• Gifted and Talented Children
• Globalization
• Growing Up in the Digital Era
• Hall, G. Stanley
• Happiness in Children
• Hindu Views of Childhood and Child Rearing
• Hispanic Childhoods (U.S.)
• Historical Approaches to Child Witches
• History of Childhood in America
• History of Childhood in Canada
• HIV/AIDS, Growing Up with
• Homeschooling
• Humor and Laughter
• Images of Childhood, Adulthood, and Old Age in Children’s ...
• Infancy and Ethnography
• Infant Mortality in a Global Context
• Innocence and Childhood
• Institutional Care
• Intercultural Learning and Teaching with Children
• Islamic Views of Childhood
• Japan, Childhood in
• Juvenile Detention in the US
• Klein, Melanie
• Labor, Child
• Latin America
• Learning, Language
• Learning to Write
• Legends, Contemporary
• Literature, Children's
• Love and Care in the Early Years
• Magazines for Teenagers
• Maltreatment, Child
• Maria Montessori
• Marxism and Childhood
• Masculinities/Boyhood
• Material Cultures of Western Childhoods
• Mead, Margaret
• Media, Children in the
• Media Culture, Children's
• Medieval and Anglo-Saxon Childhoods
• Menstruation
• Middle Childhood
• Middle East
• Miscarriage
• Missionaries/Evangelism
• Moral Development
• Moral Panics
• Multi-culturalism and Education
• Music and Babies
• Nation and Childhood
• Native American and Aboriginal Canadian Childhood
• New Reproductive Technologies and Assisted Conception
• Nursery Rhymes
• Organizations, Nongovernmental
• Parental Gender Preferences, The Social Construction of
• Pediatrics, History of
• Peer Culture
• Perspectives on Boys' Circumcision
• Philosophy and Childhood
• Piaget, Jean
• Politics, Children and
• Postcolonial Childhoods
• Post-Modernism
• Poverty, Rights, and Well-being, Child
• Pre-Colombian Mesoamerica Childhoods
• Premodern China, Conceptions of Childhood in
• Prostitution and Pornography, Child
• Psychoanalysis
• Queer Theory and Childhood
• Race and Ethnicity
• Racism, Children and
• Radio, Children, and Young People
• Readers, Children as
• Refugee and Displaced Children
• Reimagining Early Childhood Education, Reconceptualizing a...
• Relational Ontologies
• Relational Pedagogies
• Rights, Children’s
• Risk and Resilience
• School Shootings
• Sex Education in the United States
• Social and Cultural Capital of Childhood
• Social Habitus in Childhood
• Social Movements, Children's
• Social Policy, Children and
• Socialization and Child Rearing
• Socio-cultural Perspectives on Children's Spirituality
• Sociology of Childhood
• South African Birth to Twenty Project
• South Asia, History of Childhood in
• Special Education
• Spiritual Development in Childhood and Adolescence
• Spock, Benjamin
• Sports and Organized Games
• Street Children
• Street Children And Brazil
• Subcultures
• Teenage Fathers
• Teenage Pregnancy
• The Bible and Children
• The Harms and Prevention of Drugs and Alcohol on Children
• The Spaces of Childhood
• Theater for Children and Young People
• Theories, Pedagogic
• Transgender Children
• Twins and Multiple Births
• Unaccompanied Migrant Children
• United Kingdom, History of Adoption and Fostering in the
• United States, Schooling in the
• Value of Children
• Views of Childhood, Jewish and Christian
• Violence, Children and
• Voice, Participation, and Agency
• Vygotsky, Lev and His Cultural-historical Approach to Deve...
• Welfare Law in the United States, Child
• Well-Being, Child
• Western Europe and Scandinavia
• Witchcraft in the Contemporary World, Children and
• Work and Apprenticeship, Children's
• Young Carers
• Young Children and Inclusion
• Young Children’s Imagination
• Young Lives
• Young People, Alcohol, and Urban Life
• Young People and Climate Activism
• Young People and Disadvantaged Environments in Affluent Co...
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Legal Notice
• Accessibility

Powered by:

• [66.249.64.20|185.80.151.9]
• 185.80.151.9

Words and phrases

Personal account.

• Access or purchase personal subscriptions
• Get our newsletter
• Save searches
• Set display preferences

Institutional access

Sign in with library card

Sign in with username / password

Recommend to your librarian

Institutional account management

Sign in as administrator on Oxford Academic

autobiography noun

• Hide all quotations

Earlier version

• autobiography in OED Second Edition (1989)

What does the noun autobiography mean?

There is one meaning in OED's entry for the noun autobiography . See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence.

How common is the noun autobiography ?

How is the noun autobiography pronounced, british english, u.s. english, where does the noun autobiography come from.

Earliest known use

The earliest known use of the noun autobiography is in the late 1700s.

OED's earliest evidence for autobiography is from 1797, in the writing of William Taylor, reviewer and translator.

autobiography is formed within English, by compounding; perhaps modelled on a German lexical item.

Etymons: auto- comb. form 1 , biography n.

Nearby entries

• autobasidium, n. 1895–
• autobio, n. 1856–
• autobiog, n. 1829–
• autobiographal, adj. 1845–
• autobiographer, n. 1807–
• autobiographic, adj. 1818–
• autobiographical, adj. 1807–
• autobiographically, adv. 1822–
• autobiographical novel, n. 1832–
• autobiographist, n. 1820–
• autobiography, n. 1797–
• autobiopic, n. 1977–
• auto body, n. 1904–
• auto-boot, n. 1981–
• auto-boot, v. 1984–
• auto-booting, adj. 1983–
• autobox, n. 1977–
• autobracketing, n. 1985–
• auto-burglar, n. 1884
• autocade, n. 1924–
• auto camp, n. 1904–

Meaning & use

The next dissertation concerns Diaries, and Self-biography . We are doubtful whether the latter word be legitimate: it is not very usual in English to employ hybrid words partly Saxon and partly Greek: yet autobiography would have seemed pedantic.

This very amusing and unique specimen of autobiography .

Geology (as Sir C. Lyell has so happily expressed it) is ‘the autobiography of the earth’.

We live in an age when men treat art as if it were meant to be a form of autobiography .

The autobiography in your letter..has pleased me a good deal.

Dent's will be pleased to hear that my Welsh book, a sort of provincial autobiography , is coming on well.

An autobiography is a book a person writes about his own life and it is usually full of all sorts of boring details.

The Cockney beauty's autobiography ..has become a surprise hit, debuting at number four in the best-seller lists.

• story 1533– With possessive adjective or genitive. A person's account of the events of his or her life or a part of it. Cf. life story , n. , and also sense 8.
• autography 1661– = autobiography , n. rare .
• memoirs 1676– In plural . Autobiographical observations; reminiscences. Frequently modified by a possessive.
• idiography a1734 Autobiography; writing about oneself. Obsolete . rare .
• self-biography 1796– An account of the life of an individual written by himself or herself; an autobiography. Also: the genre comprising such work.
• autobiography 1797– An account of a person's life given by himself or herself, esp. one published in book form. Also: the process of writing such an account; these…
• reminiscence 1797– Chiefly in plural . A recollection or memory of a past fact or experience recounted to others; spec. (usually in plural ) a person's collective…
• autobiog 1829– = autobiography , n.
• autobio 1856– = autobiography , n.
• auto 1881– = autobiography , n.
• curriculum vitae 1902– A course; spec. a regular course of study or training, as at a school or university. (The recognized term in the Scottish Universities.) curriculum …
• biodata 1947– ( plural ) biographical details, esp. summarizing a person's educational and employment history, academic career, etc.; (with singular agreement) =…
• vita 1949– A biography, the history of a life; spec. = curriculum vitae n. at curriculum , n.
• c.v. 1971– = curriculum vitae n. at curriculum , n.

Pronunciation

• ð th ee
• ɬ rhingy ll

Some consonants can take the function of the vowel in unstressed syllables. Where necessary, a syllabic marker diacritic is used, hence <petal> /ˈpɛtl/ but <petally> /ˈpɛtl̩i/.

• a trap, bath
• ɑː start, palm, bath
• ɔː thought, force
• ᵻ (/ɪ/-/ə/)
• ᵿ (/ʊ/-/ə/)

Other symbols

• The symbol ˈ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with primary stress.
• The symbol ˌ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with secondary stress.
• Round brackets ( ) in a transcription indicate that the symbol within the brackets is optional.

View the pronunciation model here .

* /d/ also represents a 'tapped' /t/ as in <bitter>

Some consonants can take the function of the vowel in unstressed syllables. Where necessary, a syllabic marker diacritic is used, hence <petal> /ˈpɛd(ə)l/ but <petally> /ˈpɛdl̩i/.

• i fleece, happ y
• æ trap, bath
• ɑ lot, palm, cloth, thought
• ɔ cloth, thought
• ɔr north, force
• ə strut, comm a
• ər nurse, lett er
• ɛ(ə)r square
• æ̃ sal on

Simple Text Respell

Simple text respell breaks words into syllables, separated by a hyphen. The syllable which carries the primary stress is written in capital letters. This key covers both British and U.S. English Simple Text Respell.

b, d, f, h, k, l, m, n, p, r, s, t, v, w and z have their standard English values

• arr carry (British only)
• a(ng) gratin
• o lot (British only)
• orr sorry (British only)
• o(ng) salon

autobiography typically occurs about six times per million words in modern written English.

autobiography is in frequency band 5, which contains words occurring between 1 and 10 times per million words in modern written English. More about OED's frequency bands

Frequency of autobiography, n. , 1790–2010

* Occurrences per million words in written English

Historical frequency series are derived from Google Books Ngrams (version 2), a data set based on the Google Books corpus of several million books printed in English between 1500 and 2010.

The overall frequency for a given word is calculated by summing frequencies for the main form of the word, any plural or inflected forms, and any major spelling variations.

For sets of homographs (distinct entries that share the same word-form, e.g. mole , n.¹, mole , n.², mole , n.³, etc.), we have estimated the frequency of each homograph entry as a fraction of the total Ngrams frequency for the word-form. This may result in inaccuracies.

Smoothing has been applied to series for lower-frequency words, using a moving-average algorithm. This reduces short-term fluctuations, which may be produced by variability in the content of the Google Books corpus.

Frequency of autobiography, n. , 2017–2023

Modern frequency series are derived from a corpus of 20 billion words, covering the period from 2017 to the present. The corpus is mainly compiled from online news sources, and covers all major varieties of World English.

Smoothing has been applied to series for lower-frequency words, using a moving-average algorithm. This reduces short-term fluctuations, which may be produced by variability in the content of the corpus.

Compounds & derived words

• autobiog , n. 1829– = autobiography, n.
• autobiographal , adj. 1845– = autobiographical, adj.
• autobio , n. 1856– = autobiography, n.
• auto , n.³ 1881– = autobiography, n.

Entry history for autobiography, n.

autobiography, n. was revised in June 2011.

autobiography, n. was last modified in July 2023.

oed.com is a living text, updated every three months. Modifications may include:

• further revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into autobiography, n. in July 2023.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

OED First Edition (1885)

• Find out more

OED Second Edition (1989)

• View autobiography in OED Second Edition

Please submit your feedback for autobiography, n.

Please include your email address if you are happy to be contacted about your feedback. OUP will not use this email address for any other purpose.

Citation details

Factsheet for autobiography, n., browse entry.

• [email protected]

Kids Create Their Own Autobiographies with Printable Template

Printable autobiography template for kids.

Helping your kids write an autobiography is a great way for young kids to learn creative writing, practice personal expression and become familiar with their own life story. Autobiographies can help children learn about themselves in a personal way which can be beneficial for healthy self-esteem and emotional well-being. Parents should encourage their kids to write autobiographies because it can provide them with valuable experiences that will last throughout their lives.

Through this process of self-exploration, kids have the opportunity to reflect on a personal experience and any significant events that have shaped who they are today. Through the process of writing an autobiography, they are able to think critically about how these memories have impacted them and what lessons they’ve learned from them. It also helps children understand how one’s own story is interconnected with that of people in their lives such as a close family member or friend.

Want to head straight to the FREE downloads? Scroll below to download the one-page ALL ABOUT ME worksheet or the autobiography template and lesson plan near the bottom of the article.

Autobiography for Young Children

An autobiography is a fun way to document your little one’s life. Writing an autobiography is a perfect way to record the events and experiences of their childhood. It can also be a valuable teaching experience, as it helps them practice writing skills and learn about themselves along the way.

When writing an autobiography for someone so young, there are certain topics that should be included. Ask your preschooler to write down some of their favorite food, as well as any places they have visited or activities they’ve done. You can add in baby information like when they were born and how old they were when they learned different things like potty training or walking. Don’t forget to include family members such as siblings, parents, grandparents and other relatives! Include some fun facts about them too; what’s their favorite color or animal? What books do they enjoy reading?

Getting Started

Writing an autobiography with your child can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! With some simple steps, you and your child can have a fun time writing their first autobiography.

The key to success is breaking the process down into manageable pieces. Start by helping your child brainstorm topics they want to include in their story – from family life and friends to school, hobbies, and more. Once they’ve settled on some ideas, it’s time to put their thoughts on paper. For pre-writers, fill in the words for them. However, sound out the words phonetically while writing the answers. Read the entire sentence word for word pointing to each word. For writers, allow them to input the words in each blank, assisting where needed. Allow them to read the completed sentences out loud.

To help get them started, consider using a blank autobiography template that includes prompts for each section of their story. This will make it easier for them to organize their thoughts and ensure they don’t leave anything out.

What Is An Autobiography

An autobiography is a self-written account of someone’s life. It is an intimate record, detailing the author’s personal experience and accomplishments throughout their lifetime. Autobiographies can be written as a memoir or in chronological order, covering all aspects of life that the writer finds relevant. Writing an autobiography allows you to take an organized look at your personal story, and reflect on your relationships, achievements, and the lessons learned along the way.

Autobiography For Kids

An autobiography is a great way to help younger children learn about themselves and make sense of the world around them. But it’s important to make sure that your child approaches their work in an organized manner, so that they don’t get overwhelmed or frustrated. Here are some best practices when helping your kindergartner organize their autobiography:

First, create a timeline or list of topics for them to cover. This will help keep their thoughts organized and ensure that they don’t miss any important aspects of their life story. Also, be sure to set aside enough time each day for your child to complete the project – but not too much time! It should be manageable and not become a chore. Here are a few sections to help the task be more manageable.

Beginnings: Birth Story

The day a baby is born is one of the most special days in life. It marks the beginning of a new journey and a new life, and it’s something that should be celebrated. It’s no surprise that parents want to remember this momentous day forever!

Beginning with your own birth story can help you tell your children just how significant they are and how worth celebrating they are. An autobiography can be an amazing tool for teaching kids about their family history and creating lasting memories. From start to finish, writing down every special detail will help bring that magical day back to life — from the first pictures taken after birth to the funny stories everyone tells about it afterward! By recording these moments, you’re preserving them for generations to come.

Early Years: Memories and Growth

Writing an autobiography is a great way to help your child reflect on their journey so far and to think about what they have learned along the way. An autobiography in your child’s early years can be written in a fun, creative and engaging manner.

Start off by having your child brainstorm stories, memories and experiences from their early years – this will be the basis of their autobiography. When they share these stories with you, encourage them to express themselves creatively through drawings and pictures as well as words. If there are any stories that stand out for them or make them feel particularly happy or excited, find unique ways for your child to document these memories; for example, create a scrapbook of photographs or mementos from special occasions or trips.

School Days: Friends, Activities, and Experiences

Writing an autobiography is a great way for your child to reflect on their experiences in preschool. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to explore and develop their writing skills.

Encourage your child to start by jotting down memories and stories about friends, activities, and experiences they had in preschool. From there, help them come up with specific details such as the names of their friends and the fun activities they did together. Ask questions that get your child thinking about how they felt during these experiences or any special moments that stand out from the rest. Another great tool is to have them draw pictures or even create a scrapbook of photos from those times; it will help spark more ideas for writing about them later on.

Life Changes: Adapting to Change

An autobiography can be used as a reflection tool for your child to become more aware of how their life has changed and how they’ve grown.

Talk with your child about what kind of activities they enjoyed in preschool and how that changed in kindergarten and first grade. Or perhaps you moved to another neighborhood and you can explore those feelings and differences. A conversation with open ended questions will give them an idea of what kind of things they should include when writing the autobiography.

Rewarding Achievement

Starting the conversation is simple – ask your child what they are proud of when it comes to their accomplishments. This could include anything from getting an A in a test to helping out around the house, tying their shoes or being part of a team activity. As they share these stories, listen closely and explore each incident in detail so you can better understand the context in which it happened and how much effort your child put into achieving it.

Autobiography As A History Lesson

There are many different ways to teach American history to young children. One of the most entertaining and effective methods is by focusing on the lives of notable people who have made a significant impact in our nation’s history. Doing activities related to their life can be fun and engaging, while also teaching kids about different eras, cultural movements, and key figures in United States history. At Goose Goose Duck we make history relatable to young children by writing an autobiography like the great Frederick Douglass .

What Makes a Good Autobiography

A good autobiography goes beyond simply presenting the facts about a person’s life. It presents an emotional journey, offering readers a glimpse into how these events have shaped the author’s identity and worldview. Autobiographies often provide insight into moments of personal growth and transformation, as well as reflections on life’s struggles and triumphs. Through reading an autobiography, one can gain invaluable insight into someone else’s story – making it a powerful tool to foster empathy and understanding between individuals. By weaving together details both large and small that make up someone’s life, an effective autobiography will create a vivid portrait of their unique experience that is meaningful to both writer and reader alike.

Frederick Douglass’ autobiography, “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave,” is one of the most powerful autobiographies in American history. It is a testament to human strength and resilience; it details how a man born into bondage was able to overcome adversity and use his wits to eventually become a free man. His story is relatable because it demonstrates that with hard work, ambition and courage there are no limits to what one can achieve.

Autobiography Activity and Printable Autobiography Template

Autobiographies are a powerful way to tell one’s story, as proven by Frederick Douglass. But autobiographies aren’t just for adults – children can use this form of literature too! Writing an autobiography can be a fun and meaningful activity that teaches children about their own lives in an engaging way.

To start, kids should think about the important events that have shaped their lives so far. From family moments to school memories, it all counts! They should also consider writing down any hopes or dreams they have for the future. By reflecting on these life experiences in written form, kids can explore their own identities and personalities in unique ways.

We have an autobiography book template including a cover page to help you assist your child in creating their own autobiography. The template is part of the Frederick Douglass Activity pack. This exercise gives your child the opportunity to investigate who they are and where they come from. The first two pages are all about your child when they were a baby. Tell them actual antidotes to help them fill out the blanks. For example, relate the story of when they were born and how you felt holding them in your arms. Tell them a funny story about how they would only eat sweet potatoes and the time they threw a bowl of ice cream on the floor. Your child will learn more about who they are as well as allow them to reflect on who they have developed into up until today.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE LESSON PLAN AND PRINTABLE AUTOBIOGRAPHY TEMPLATE HERE

What’s inside the frederick douglass activity pack.

There is no better way to ignite your child’s passion for learning than this activity pack introducing Frederick Douglass! A respected writer and orator, his unrelenting thirst for knowledge as a child led him to become one of the most influential men of the 19th century. Go beyond dates and events as you guide your child in activities reinforcing the characteristics that made Mr. Douglass great, and discover the greatness in themselves.

Literacy – Develop story building and vocabulary

STEM – Develop self-awareness and responsible decision making skills

Writing – Practice writing letters and whole sentences

STEM – Understand bartering

Literacy – Build confidence by memorizing and reciting a speech.

Literacy – Practice active listening skills

Literacy – Practice verbal communication skills

Literacy – Understanding the difference between fact and opinion

Literacy – Writing an autobiography

Click to purchase the full Frederick Douglass Activity pack at Amazon.com

• More from M-W
• To save this word, you'll need to log in. Log In

Definition of biography

Did you know.

So You've Been Asked to Submit a Biography

In a library, the word biography refers both to a kind of book and to a section where books of that kind are found. Each biography tells the story of a real person's life. A biography may be about someone who lived long ago, recently, or even someone who is still living, though in the last case it must necessarily be incomplete. The term autobiography refers to a biography written by the person it's about. Autobiographies are of course also necessarily incomplete.

Sometimes biographies are significantly shorter than a book—something anyone who's been asked to submit a biography for, say, a conference or a community newsletter will be glad to know. Often the word in these contexts is shortened to bio , a term that can be both a synonym of biography and a term for what is actually a biographical sketch: a brief description of a person's life. These kinds of biographies—bios—vary, but many times they are only a few sentences long. Looking at bios that have been used in the same context can be a useful guide in determining what to put in your own.

Examples of biography in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'biography.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Late Greek biographia , from Greek bi- + -graphia -graphy

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Dictionary Entries Near biography

biographize

Cite this Entry

“Biography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biography. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of biography, more from merriam-webster on biography.

Nglish: Translation of biography for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of biography for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about biography

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the day, tendentious.

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More commonly misspelled words, commonly misspelled words, how to use em dashes (—), en dashes (–) , and hyphens (-), absent letters that are heard anyway, how to use accents and diacritical marks, popular in wordplay, the words of the week - apr. 19, 10 words from taylor swift songs (merriam's version), 9 superb owl words, 10 words for lesser-known games and sports, your favorite band is in the dictionary, games & quizzes.